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Hu S, Hu C, Xu J, Yu P, Yuan L, Li Z, Liang H, Zhang Y, Chen J, Wei Q, Zhang S, Yang L, Su D, Du Y, Xu Z, Bai F, Cheng X. The estrogen response in fibroblasts promotes ovarian metastases of gastric cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8447. [PMID: 39349474 PMCID: PMC11443007 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52615-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Younger premenopausal women are more prone to developing ovarian metastases (OM) of gastric cancer (GC) than metastases of other organs; however, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here we perform single-cell RNA sequencing on 45 tumor samples from 18 GC patients with OM. Interestingly, fibroblasts in OM of GC express high levels of estrogen receptor (ER) and midkine (MDK), interacting with tumor cells through activating ER-MDK-LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1) signaling axis. Functional experiments demonstrate that estrogen stimulation induces MDK secretion by ovarian fibroblasts, and binding of MDK to LRP1 increases GC cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, in vivo, estrogen stimulation remarkably augments ovarian engraftment and metastasis of LRP1+ GC cells. Collectively, our findings reveal that ER+ ovarian fibroblasts secrete MDK under estrogen influence, driving OM of GC via the MDK-LRP1 axis. Our study holds the potential to catalyze innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at intercepting and managing OM in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeng Hu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Can Hu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingli Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Yu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ziyu Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haohong Liang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqiang Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Wei
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengjie Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Litao Yang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Su
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yian Du
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fan Bai
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiangdong Cheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Research Center for Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China.
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2
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Nicolini A, Rossi G, Ferrari P. Experimental and clinical evidence in favour of an effective immune stimulation in ER-positive, endocrine-dependent metastatic breast cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1225175. [PMID: 38332913 PMCID: PMC10850262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1225175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In ER+ breast cancer, usually seen as the low immunogenic type, the main mechanisms favouring the immune response or tumour growth and immune evasion in the tumour microenvironment (TME) have been examined. The principal implications of targeting the oestrogen-mediated pathways were also considered. Recent experimental findings point out that anti-oestrogens contribute to the reversion of the immunosuppressive TME. Moreover, some preliminary clinical data with the hormone-immunotherapy association in a metastatic setting support the notion that the reversion of immune suppression in TME is likely favoured by the G0-G1 state induced by anti-oestrogens. Following immune stimulation, the reverted immune suppression allows the boosting of the effector cells of the innate and adaptive immune response. This suggests that ER+ breast cancer is a molecular subtype where a successful active immune manipulation can be attained. If this is confirmed by a prospective multicentre trial, which is expected in light of the provided evidence, the proposed hormone immunotherapy can also be tested in the adjuvant setting. Furthermore, the different rationale suggests a synergistic activity of our proposed immunotherapy with the currently recommended regimen consisting of antioestrogens combined with cyclin kinase inhibitors. Overall, this lays the foundation for a shift in clinical practice within this most prevalent molecular subtype of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rossi
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council and Gabriele Monasterio Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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3
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Kozieł MJ, Piastowska-Ciesielska AW. Estrogens, Estrogen Receptors and Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14673. [PMID: 37834120 PMCID: PMC10572993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and the most concerning issues in gynecological oncology in recent years. It is postulated that many factors may contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, including hormonal imbalance. Estrogens are a group of hormones that have an important role both in physiological and pathological processes. In ovarian cancer, they may regulate proliferation, invasiveness and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Estrogen signaling also takes part in the regulation of the biology of the tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes the information connected with estrogen receptors, estrogens and their association with a tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this review also includes information about the changes in estrogen receptor expression upon exposition to various environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Justyna Kozieł
- Department of Cell Cultures and Genomic Analysis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- BRaIn Laboratories, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wanda Piastowska-Ciesielska
- Department of Cell Cultures and Genomic Analysis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- BRaIn Laboratories, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
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Lichtiger L, Jezioro J, Rivera J, McDonald JD, Terry MB, Sahay D, Miller RL. Prenatal airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure, altered regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Ppar)γ, and links with mammary cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116213. [PMID: 37224940 PMCID: PMC10330651 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) has been shown to be associated with chronic disease outcomes through multiple mechanisms including altered regulation of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Ppar) γ. Because PAH exposure and Pparγ each have been associated with mammary cancer, we asked whether PAH would induce altered regulation of Pparγ in mammary tissue, and whether this association may underlie the association between PAH and mammary cancer. Pregnant mice were exposed to aerosolized PAH at proportions that mimic equivalent human exposures in New York City air. We hypothesized that prenatal PAH exposure would alter Pparγ DNA methylation and gene expression and induce the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in mammary tissue of offspring (F1) and grandoffspring (F2) mice. We also hypothesized that altered regulation of Pparγ in mammary tissue would associate with biomarkers of EMT, and examined associations with whole body weight. We found that prenatal PAH exposure lowered Pparγ mammary tissue methylation among grandoffspring mice at postnatal day (PND) 28. However, PAH exposure did not associate with altered Pparγ gene expression or consistently with biomarkers of EMT. Finally, lower Pparγ methylation, but not gene expression, was associated with higher body weight among offspring and grandoffspring mice at PND28 and PND60. Findings suggest additional evidence of multi-generational adverse epigenetic effects of prenatal PAH exposure among grandoffspring mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Lichtiger
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Jacqueline Jezioro
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Janelle Rivera
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Jacob D McDonald
- Department of Toxicology, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Mary Beth Terry
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Debashish Sahay
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Rachel L Miller
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States.
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5
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Kulasinghe A, Monkman J, Shah ET, Matigian N, Adams MN, O’Byrne K. Spatial Profiling Identifies Prognostic Features of Response to Adjuvant Therapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Front Oncol 2022; 11:798296. [PMID: 35083152 PMCID: PMC8784863 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.798296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that has few effective treatment options due to its lack of targetable hormone receptors. Whilst the degree of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been shown to associate with therapy response and prognosis, deeper characterization of the molecular diversity that may mediate chemotherapeutic response is lacking. Here we applied targeted proteomic analysis of both chemotherapy sensitive and resistant TNBC tissue samples by the Nanostring GeoMx Digital Spatial Platform (DSP). By quantifying 68 targets in the tumour and tumour microenvironment (TME) compartments and performing differential expression analysis between responsive and non-responsive tumours, we show that increased ER-alpha expression and decreased 4-1BB and MART1 within the stromal compartments is associated with adjuvant chemotherapy response. Similarly, higher expression of GZMA, STING and fibronectin and lower levels of CD80 were associated with response within tumour compartments. Univariate overall-survival (OS) analysis of stromal proteins supported these findings, with ER-alpha expression (HR=0.19, p=0.0012) associated with better OS while MART1 expression (HR=2.3, p=0.035) was indicative of poorer OS. Proteins within tumour compartments consistent with longer OS included PD-L1 (HR=0.53, p=0.023), FOXP3 (HR=0.5, p=0.026), GITR (HR=0.51, p=0.036), SMA (HR=0.59, p=0.043), while EPCAM (HR=1.7, p=0.045), and CD95 (HR=4.9, p=0.046) expression were associated with shorter OS. Our data provides early insights into the levels of these markers in the TNBC tumour microenvironment, and their association with chemotherapeutic response and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arutha Kulasinghe
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - James Monkman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Esha T. Shah
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicholas Matigian
- QFAB Bioinformatics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark N. Adams
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ken O’Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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6
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Brechbuhl HM, Xie M, Kopin EG, Han AL, Vinod-Paul K, Hagen J, Edgerton S, Owens P, Sams S, Elias A, Sartorius CA, Tan AC, Kabos P. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy expands stromal populations that predict poor prognosis in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Mol Carcinog 2021; 61:359-371. [PMID: 34856027 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important modulator of response and resistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor alpha (ER) positive breast cancer. Endocrine therapy is highly effective at reducing tumor burden and preventing recurrence in most estrogen receptor alpha (ER) positive breast cancers. Existing drugs work either directly by targeting tumor-cell ER or indirectly by inhibiting estrogen production in stromal cells with aromatase inhibitors (AI). However, many stromal cells also express ER and the direct impact of endocrine therapies on ER + stromal cells remain unclear. In this study, we investigated how neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) directly effects stromal cells by measuring changes in stomal components of the TME that favor tumor progression. We previously defined two major subsets of tumor-associated stromal cells (TASCs): CD146 positive/CDCP1 negative (TASCCD146 ), CD146 negative/CDCP1 positive (TASCCDCP1 ), and generated a differentially expressed genes list associated with each type. Here, we applied the TASC gene list for classification and an algorithm that estimates immune cell abundance (TIMEx) to METABRIC transcriptomic data for ER + breast cancer patients coupled with multiplex imaging and analysis of paired tissue samples pre- and post- NET with the AI exemestane. TASCCDCP1 composition predicted for decreased patient survival in the METABRIC cohort. Exemestane treatment significantly increased expression of TASCCDCP1 and decreased expression of TASCCD146 . The posttreatment shift toward TASCCDCP1 composition correlated with increased macrophage infiltration and increased CD8+ T-cell, B cell, and general stromal components. The effectiveness of NET is currently based solely on the reduction of ER+ breast cancer cells. Here, we show NET displays clear TME effects that promote the expansion of the less favorable TASCCDCP1 population which are correlated with TME remodeling and reshaping immune infiltration supportive of tumor progression. Our findings highlight the need to further understand the role of endocrine therapy on TME remodeling, tumor progression, and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Brechbuhl
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mengyu Xie
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Etana G Kopin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Amy L Han
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kiran Vinod-Paul
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jaime Hagen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Susan Edgerton
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sharon Sams
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Anthony Elias
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Carol A Sartorius
- Department of Pathology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Aik-Choon Tan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Peter Kabos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Sex-Based Differences in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1329:499-533. [PMID: 34664253 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73119-9_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancers are heterogeneous multifactorial diseases consisting of a major public health issue worldwide. Sex disparities are evidenced in cancer incidence, mortality, expression of prognosis factor, response to treatment, and survival. For both sexes, an interplay of intrinsic and environmental factors influences cancer cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) components. The TME cumulates both supportive and communicative functions, contributing to cancer development, progression, and metastasis dissemination. The frontline topics of this chapter are focused on the contribution of sex, via steroid hormones, such as estrogens and androgens, on the following components of the TME: cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix (ECM), blood and lymphatic endothelial cells, and immunity/inflammatory system.
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8
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Molecular dynamics of estrogen-related receptors and their regulatory proteins: roles in transcriptional control for endocrine and metabolic signaling. Anat Sci Int 2021; 97:15-29. [PMID: 34609710 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-021-00634-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen-related receptor (ERR) is a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily and has three subtypes α, β, and γ. Despite their strong homology with estrogen receptor (ER) α, ERRs cannot accommodate endogenous hormones. However, they are able to regulate gene expression without ligand binding. ERRα and ERRγ orchestrate the expression of genes involved in bioenergetic pathways, while ERRβ controls placental development and stem cell maintenance. Evidence from recent studies, including clinical research, has also demonstrated close associations of ERRs with the pathophysiology of hormone-related cancers and metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review summarizes the basic knowledge and recent advances in ERRs and their associated proteins, focusing on the subcellular dynamics involved in transcriptional regulation. Fluorescent protein labeling enabled monitoring of ERRs in living cells and revealed previously unrecognized characteristics. Using this technique, we demonstrated a role of ERRβ in controlling estrogen signaling by regulating the subnuclear dynamics of ligand-activated ERα. Visualization of ERRs and related proteins and subsequent analyses also revealed a function of ERRγ in promoting liver lactate metabolism in association with LRPGC1, a recently identified lactic acid-responsive protein. These findings suggest that ERRs activate unique transregulation mechanisms in response to extracellular stimuli such as hormones and metabolic signals, implying an adaptive system behind the cellular homeostatic regulation by orphan NRs. Control of subcellular ERR dynamics will contribute toward the development of therapeutic approaches to treat various diseases including hormone-related cancers and metabolic disorders associated with abnormal ERR signaling pathways.
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Schuler LA, Murdoch FE. Endogenous and Therapeutic Estrogens: Maestro Conductors of the Microenvironment of ER+ Breast Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3725. [PMID: 34359625 PMCID: PMC8345134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) marks heterogeneous breast cancers which display a repertoire of somatic genomic mutations and an immune environment that differs from other breast cancer subtypes. These cancers also exhibit distinct biological behaviors; despite an overall better prognosis than HER2+ or triple negative breast cancers, disseminated dormant cells can lead to disease recurrence decades after the initial diagnosis and treatment. Estrogen is the best studied driver of these cancers, and antagonism or reduction of estrogen activity is the cornerstone of therapeutic approaches. In addition to reducing proliferation of ERα+ cancer cells, these treatments also alter signals to multiple other target cells in the environment, including immune cell subpopulations, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells via several distinct estrogen receptors. In this review, we update progress in our understanding of the stromal cells populating the microenvironments of primary and metastatic ER+ tumors, the effects of estrogen on tumor and stromal cells to modulate immune activity and the extracellular matrix, and net outcomes in experimental and clinical studies. We highlight new approaches that will illuminate the unique biology of these cancers, provide the foundation for developing new treatment and prevention strategies, and reduce mortality of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A. Schuler
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
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10
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Boonyaratanakornkit V, McGowan EM, Márquez-Garbán DC, Burton LP, Hamilton N, Pateetin P, Pietras RJ. Progesterone Receptor Signaling in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1329:443-474. [PMID: 34664251 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73119-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex infrastructure composed of stromal, epithelial, and immune cells embedded in a vasculature ECM. The microenvironment surrounding mammary epithelium plays a critical role during the development and differentiation of the mammary gland, enabling the coordination of the complex multihormones and growth factor signaling processes. Progesterone/progesterone receptor paracrine signaling interactions in the microenvironment play vital roles in stem/progenitor cell function during normal breast development. In breast cancer, the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and growth factor signals are altered in the TME. Progesterone signaling modulates not only breast tumors but also the breast TME, leading to the activation of a series of cross-communications that are implicated in the genesis of breast cancers. This chapter reviews the evidence that progesterone and PR signaling modulates not only breast epitheliums but also the breast TME. Furthermore, crosstalk between estrogen and progesterone signaling affecting different cell types within the TME is discussed. A better understanding of how PR and progesterone affect the TME of breast cancer may lead to novel drugs or a therapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer shortly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viroj Boonyaratanakornkit
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Age-Related Inflammation and Degeneration Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Eileen M McGowan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Diana C Márquez-Garbán
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - L P Burton
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nalo Hamilton
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Prangwan Pateetin
- Graduate Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard J Pietras
- UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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Smida T, Bruno TC, Stabile LP. Influence of Estrogen on the NSCLC Microenvironment: A Comprehensive Picture and Clinical Implications. Front Oncol 2020; 10:137. [PMID: 32133288 PMCID: PMC7039860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer mortality represents the leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States and worldwide. Almost half of these deaths occur in female patients, making lung cancer the most common cause of cancer mortality in women with a higher annual mortality rate than breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers combined. The distinct epidemiological, histological and biological presentation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in women combined with extensive preclinical data have demonstrated that the female sex hormone β-estradiol (E2) plays an important role in NSCLC tumorigenesis, prognosis, and treatment response. Estrogen receptors are widely expressed on stromal and immune cells, and estrogen-linked signaling pathways are known to be involved in regulating the response of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Immune evasion has been recognized as a “hallmark” of cancer and immunotherapy has re-defined standard of care treatment for NSCLC. Despite these advancements, the low response rates observed in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors has led to a search for mediators of immunosuppression and ways to augment the action of these agents. We focus on emerging data describing sex differences that modulate immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC, immunosuppressive properties of E2 that lead to a pro-tumor microenvironment (TME), and the translational potential of altering the immune microenvironment by targeting the estrogen signaling pathway. E2-induced modulation affects multiple cell types within the TME, including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor infiltrating myeloid cells, and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, all of which interplay with lung tumor cells via E2 and estrogen receptor engagement, ultimately shaping the TME that may, in part, be responsible for the sex-based disparities observed in NSCLC. An improved understanding of the role of the estrogen pathway in NSCLC anti-cancer immunity may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for altering the TME to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner Smida
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Laura P Stabile
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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12
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Somasundaram A, Rothenberger NJ, Stabile LP. The Impact of Estrogen in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1277:33-52. [PMID: 33119863 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-50224-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor immune escape is now a hallmark of cancer development, and therapies targeting these pathways have emerged as standard of care. Specifically, immune checkpoint signal blockade offers durable responses and increased overall survival. However, the majority of cancer patients still do not respond to checkpoint blockade immune therapy leading to an unmet need in tumor immunology research. Sex-based differences have been noted in the use of cancer immunotherapy suggesting that sex hormones such as estrogen may play an important role in tumor immune regulation. Estrogen signaling already has a known role in autoimmunity, and the estrogen receptor can be expressed across multiple immune cell populations and effect their regulation. While it has been well established that tumor cells such as ovarian carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and even lung carcinoma can be regulated by estrogen, research into the role of estrogen in the regulation of tumor-associated immune cells is still emerging. In this chapter, we discuss the role of estrogen in the tumor immune microenvironment and the possible immunotherapeutic implications of targeting estrogen in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Somasundaram
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Natalie J Rothenberger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, PA, USA
| | - Laura P Stabile
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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13
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Cheng HS, Lee JXT, Wahli W, Tan NS. Exploiting vulnerabilities of cancer by targeting nuclear receptors of stromal cells in tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:51. [PMID: 30925918 PMCID: PMC6441226 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-0971-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a complex and dynamic cellular community comprising the tumor epithelium and various tumor-supporting cells such as immune cells, fibroblasts, immunosuppressive cells, adipose cells, endothelial cells, and pericytes. The interplay between the tumor microenvironment and tumor cells represents a key contributor to immune evasiveness, physiological hardiness and the local and systemic invasiveness of malignant cells. Nuclear receptors are master regulators of physiological processes and are known to play pro-/anti-oncogenic activities in tumor cells. However, the actions of nuclear receptors in tumor-supporting cells have not been widely studied. Given the excellent druggability and extensive regulatory effects of nuclear receptors, understanding their biological functionality in the tumor microenvironment is of utmost importance. Therefore, the present review aims to summarize recent evidence about the roles of nuclear receptors in tumor-supporting cells and their implications for malignant processes such as tumor proliferation, evasion of immune surveillance, angiogenesis, chemotherapeutic resistance, and metastasis. Based on findings derived mostly from cell culture studies and a few in vivo animal cancer models, the functions of VDR, PPARs, AR, ER and GR in tumor-supporting cells are relatively well-characterized. Evidence for other receptors, such as RARβ, RORγ, and FXR, is limited yet promising. Hence, the nuclear receptor signature in the tumor microenvironment may harbor prognostic value. The clinical prospects of a tumor microenvironment-oriented cancer therapy exploiting the nuclear receptors in different tumor-supporting cells are also encouraging. The major challenge, however, lies in the ability to develop a highly specific drug delivery system to facilitate precision medicine in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Sheng Cheng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
| | - Jeannie Xue Ting Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
| | - Walter Wahli
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.,INRA ToxAlim, UMR1331, Chemin de Tournefeuille, Toulouse Cedex 3, France.,Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Le Génopode, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore. .,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.
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14
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Shi JY, Rubino RE, Nicol CJB. Examining the Role of Nuclear Receptors During In Vivo Chemical-Mediated Breast Tumorigenesis. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1966:203-210. [PMID: 31041749 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9195-2_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The chemical carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) has been used for many decades to induce skin, mammary, and ovarian tumors in mice. There are however a wide range of doses and treatment regimens in the literature that sometimes confound comparative interpretations of different studies. Here we describe a proven method to generate in vivo DMBA-mediated murine mammary tumors to enable consistent studies of the cell targeted role of genes of interest during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yue Shi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel E Rubino
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher J B Nicol
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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15
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Heudobler D, Rechenmacher M, Lüke F, Vogelhuber M, Pukrop T, Herr W, Ghibelli L, Gerner C, Reichle A. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPAR)γ Agonists as Master Modulators of Tumor Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113540. [PMID: 30424016 PMCID: PMC6274845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In most clinical trials, thiazolidinediones do not show any relevant anti-cancer activity when used as mono-therapy. Clinical inefficacy contrasts ambiguous pre-clinical data either favoring anti-tumor activity or tumor promotion. However, if thiazolidinediones are combined with additional regulatory active drugs, so-called ‘master modulators’ of tumors, i.e., transcriptional modulators, metronomic low-dose chemotherapy, epigenetically modifying agents, protein binding pro-anakoinotic drugs, such as COX-2 inhibitors, IMiDs, etc., the results indicate clinically relevant communicative reprogramming of tumor tissues, i.e., anakoinosis, meaning ‘communication’ in ancient Greek. The concerted activity of master modulators may multifaceted diversify palliative care or even induce continuous complete remission in refractory metastatic tumor disease and hematologic neoplasia by establishing novel communicative behavior of tumor tissue, the hosting organ, and organism. Re-modulation of gene expression, for example, the up-regulation of tumor suppressor genes, may recover differentiation, apoptosis competence, and leads to cancer control—in contrast to an immediate, ‘poisoning’ with maximal tolerable doses of targeted/cytotoxic therapies. The key for uncovering the therapeutic potential of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists is selecting the appropriate combination of master modulators for inducing anakoinosis: Now, anakoinosis is trend setting by establishing a novel therapeutic pillar while overcoming classic obstacles of targeted therapies, such as therapy resistance and (molecular-)genetic tumor heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Heudobler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Hematology and Oncology, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Rechenmacher
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Hematology and Oncology, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Florian Lüke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Hematology and Oncology, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Martin Vogelhuber
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Hematology and Oncology, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Hematology and Oncology, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Herr
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Hematology and Oncology, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Lina Ghibelli
- Department Biology, Universita' di Roma Tor Vergata, 00173 Rome, Italy.
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Institut for Analytical Chemistry, Faculty Chemistry, University Vienna, Vienna A-1090, Austria.
| | - Albrecht Reichle
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Regensburg, Hematology and Oncology, 93042 Regensburg, Germany.
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16
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Activation of Farnesoid X Receptor impairs the tumor-promoting function of breast cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cancer Lett 2018; 437:89-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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17
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Navarro FC, Herrnreiter C, Nowak L, Watkins SK. Estrogen Regulation of T-Cell Function and Its Impact on the Tumor Microenvironment. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/2470289718801379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic studies demonstrate significant gender-specific differences in immune system function. Males are more prone to infection and malignancies, while females are more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. These differences are thought to be due to the action of gonadal hormones: Estrogen increases the inflammatory response and testosterone dampens it. More specifically, estrogen stimulation induces inflammatory cytokine production including interferon γ, interleukin (IL) 6, and tumor necrosis factor α, while testosterone induces IL-10, IL-4, and transforming growth factor β. More recent studies demonstrate threshold effects of estrogen stimulation on immune cell function: physiologic doses of estrogen (approximately 0.5 nmol/L) stimulate inflammatory cytokine production, but superphysiologic dosages (above 50 nmol/L) can result in decreased inflammatory cytokine production. This review reports findings concerning the impact of estrogen on CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and the overall immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Variables examined include dosage of hormone, the diversity of immune cells involved, and the nature of the immune response in cancer. Collective review of these points may assist in future hypotheses and studies to determine sex-specific differences in immune responses that may be used as targets in disease prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor C. Navarro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Microbiology and Immunology, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Track, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Caroline Herrnreiter
- Department of Surgery, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Microbiology and Immunology, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Track, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Lauren Nowak
- Department of Surgery, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Microbiology and Immunology, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Track, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Stephanie K. Watkins
- Department of Surgery, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Microbiology and Immunology, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Track, Oncology Research Institute, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
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18
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McNamara KM, Kannai A, Sasano H. Possible roles for glucocorticoid signalling in breast cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 466:38-50. [PMID: 28687451 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of breast cancer biology, and our ability to manipulate breast cancers have grown exponentially in the last 20 years. Much of that expansion has focused on the roles of steroids in driving these neoplasms. Initially this research focused on estrogens and progesterone receptors, and more recently on androgen actions in breast cancers. This review aims to make the case for glucocorticoids as the next essential steroid subclass that contributes significantly to our understanding of steroidogenic regulation of these neoplasms. Glucocorticoids have the potential to play multiple roles in the regulation of breast cancers including their control of cellular differentiation, apoptosis and proliferation. Beyond this they also act as a master integrator of organ homeostats in relation to such as circadian rhythms and stress responses. Therefore a better understanding of glucocorticoids and breast cancer could help to explain some of the epidemiological links between circadian disruption and/or stress and breast cancer development. Finally glucocorticoids are currently used during chemotherapeutic treatment in breast cancer therapy and yet results of various studies suggest that this may have an adverse impact on treatment success. This review aims to summarise the current evidence for glucocorticoids as actors in breast cancer and then suggest future essential approaches in order to determine the roles of glucocorticoids in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely M McNamara
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Graduate Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ayako Kannai
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Graduate Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Graduate Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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19
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Rovito D, Gionfriddo G, Barone I, Giordano C, Grande F, De Amicis F, Lanzino M, Catalano S, Andò S, Bonofiglio D. Ligand-activated PPARγ downregulates CXCR4 gene expression through a novel identified PPAR response element and inhibits breast cancer progression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:65109-65124. [PMID: 27556298 PMCID: PMC5323141 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Stromal Derived Factor-1α (SDF-1α) and its cognate receptor CXCR4 play a key role in mediating breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Therefore, drugs able to inhibit CXCR4 activation may add critical tools to reduce tumor progression, especially in the most aggressive form of the breast cancer disease. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) γ, a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, has been found to downregulate CXCR4 gene expression in different cancer cells, however the molecular mechanism underlying this effect is not fully understood. Here, we identified a novel PPARγ-mediated mechanism that negatively regulates CXCR4 expression in both epithelial and stromal breast cancer cells. We found that ligand-activated PPARγ downregulated CXCR4 transcriptional activity through the recruitment of the silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) corepressor onto a newly identified PPAR response element (PPRE) within the CXCR4 promoter in breast cancer cell lines. As a consequence, the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (BRL) significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion and this effect was PPARγ-mediated, since it was reversed in the presence of the PPARγ antagonist GW9662. According to the ability of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant component of breast cancer stroma, to secrete high levels of SDF-1α, BRL reduced migratory promoting activities induced by conditioned media (CM) derived from CAFs and affected CXCR4 downstream signaling pathways activated by CAF-CM. In addition, CAFs exposed to BRL showed a decreased expression of CXCR4, a reduced motility and invasion along with a phenotype characterized by an altered morphology. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights into the role of PPARγ in inhibiting breast cancer progression and further highlight the utility of PPARγ ligands for future therapies aimed at targeting both cancer and surrounding stromal cells in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rovito
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy.,Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Giulia Gionfriddo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Ines Barone
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | | | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Marilena Lanzino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Stefania Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy.,Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Daniela Bonofiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
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20
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The Role of the Estrogen Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020611. [PMID: 29463044 PMCID: PMC5855833 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptors are broadly expressed in many cell types involved in the innate and adaptive immune responses, and differentially regulate the production of cytokines. While both genomic and non-genomic tumor cell promoting mechanisms of estrogen signaling are well characterized in multiple carcinomas including breast, ovarian, and lung, recent investigations have identified a potential immune regulatory role of estrogens in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor immune tolerance is a well-established mediator of oncogenesis, with increasing evidence indicating the importance of the immune response in tumor progression. Immune-based therapies such as antibodies that block checkpoint signals have emerged as exciting therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment, offering durable remissions and prolonged survival. However, only a subset of patients demonstrate clinical response to these agents, prompting efforts to elucidate additional immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. Evidence drawn from multiple cancer types, including carcinomas traditionally classified as non-immunogenic, implicate estrogen as a potential mediator of immunosuppression through modulation of protumor responses independent of direct activity on tumor cells. Herein, we review the interplay between estrogen and the tumor microenvironment and the clinical implications of endocrine therapy as a novel treatment strategy within immuno-oncology.
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21
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Wang Z, Wu D, Ng CF, Teoh JYC, Yu S, Wang Y, Chan FL. Nuclear receptor profiling in prostatospheroids and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:35-50. [PMID: 29042395 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs), which belong to a superfamily of transcription factors and consist of a total of 48 members in humans, govern the expression of genes involved in a board range of developmental, reproductive, metabolic and immunological programs. Given the significant importance of androgen receptor and a few known NRs in the progression of prostate cancer, we surveyed the expression profiles of the entire NR superfamily in three-dimensional cultured prostatospheroids derived from different prostate cancer cell lines and a tumor xenograft model of castration-resistant prostate cancer VCaP-CRPC by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Our results revealed that prostatospheroids and castration-relapse VCaP-CRPC xenografts, both contained enriched populations of prostate cancer stem/progenitor-like cells (PCSCs), displayed distinct expression patterns of NRs. Intriguingly, most of these differentially expressed NRs were orphan NRs and showed upregulation. Pairwise analysis identified five orphan NRs (including RORβ, TLX, COUP-TFII, NURR1 and LRH-1) that showed common upregulation in both mRNA and protein levels in the prostatospheroids and castration-relapse VCaP-CRPC xenografts, and overexpression of these orphan NRs could increase cancer stem cell marker expressions and enhance spheroid formation capacity in prostate cancer cells, suggesting that these orphan NRs might perform positive roles in the growth regulation of PCSCs and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Together, our NR expression dataset not only revealed the distinct physiologic status and regulatory roles governed by the networks of specific NRs but also some of these identified orphan NRs could be the potential therapeutic targets for PCSCs or castration-resistant prostate cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- COUP Transcription Factor II/genetics
- COUP Transcription Factor II/metabolism
- Humans
- Male
- Mice, SCID
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/metabolism
- Orphan Nuclear Receptors
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/metabolism
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/pathology
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/genetics
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/metabolism
- Spheroids, Cellular/metabolism
- Spheroids, Cellular/pathology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Wang
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of UrologyPeople's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dinglan Wu
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- The Clinical Innovation & Research CenterShenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chi-Fai Ng
- Department of SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jeremy Yuen-Chun Teoh
- Department of SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shan Yu
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuliang Wang
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Franky L Chan
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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22
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Fonseca-Filho VCN, Katayama MLH, Lyra EC, Maria DA, Basso RA, Nonogaki S, Guerra JM, Maistro S, Góes JCGS, Folgueira MAAK. Orthotopic tumorgrafts in nude mice as a model to evaluate calcitriol effects in breast cancer. BRAZ J BIOL 2017; 77:856-867. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.04016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Calcitriol antiproliferative effects were observed in xenografts of breast cancer cell lines, however they were not yet investigated in tumorgrafts, consisting of freshly collected breast cancer samples xenografted into animals. Objectives To establish a tumorgraft model, from freshly collected breast cancer samples, which were directly implanted in nude mice, to study calcitriol effects. Methods Breast cancer samples collected from 12 patients were orthotopically implanted into nude mice. Animals were treated with weekly intratumoral injections of calcitriol 3 μg/Kg, which was previously shown to induce peak serum calcitriol levels in the predicted therapeutic range. Results Success engraftment rate was 25%. Tumorgrafts were established from aggressive (HER2 positive or histological grade 3) highly proliferative samples and original tumor characteristics were preserved. Calcitriol highly induced its target gene, CYP24A1, indicating that the genomic vitamin D pathway is active in tumorgrafts. However, no differences in the expression of proliferation and apoptosis markers (BrdU incorporation, Ki67, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, BCL2 expression) were observed in these highly proliferative tumor samples. Conclusions Tumorgrafts seem a promising model to explore other calcitriol doses and regimens, considering the heterogeneity of the disease and microenvironment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - E. C. Lyra
- Instituto Brasileiro de Controle do Câncer, Brazil
| | | | - R. A. Basso
- Instituto Brasileiro de Controle do Câncer, Brazil
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23
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Doan TB, Graham JD, Clarke CL. Emerging functional roles of nuclear receptors in breast cancer. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 58:R169-R190. [PMID: 28087820 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) have been targets of intensive drug development for decades due to their roles as key regulators of multiple developmental, physiological and disease processes. In breast cancer, expression of the estrogen and progesterone receptor remains clinically important in predicting prognosis and determining therapeutic strategies. More recently, there is growing evidence supporting the involvement of multiple nuclear receptors other than the estrogen and progesterone receptors, in the regulation of various processes important to the initiation and progression of breast cancer. We review new insights into the mechanisms of action of NRs made possible by recent advances in genomic technologies and focus on the emerging functional roles of NRs in breast cancer biology, including their involvement in circadian regulation, metabolic reprogramming and breast cancer migration and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tram B Doan
- Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchSydney Medical School - Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Dinny Graham
- Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchSydney Medical School - Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine L Clarke
- Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchSydney Medical School - Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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24
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Trahearn N, Tsang YW, Cree IA, Snead D, Epstein D, Rajpoot N. Simultaneous automatic scoring and co-registration of hormone receptors in tumor areas in whole slide images of breast cancer tissue slides. Cytometry A 2016; 91:585-594. [PMID: 28009468 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.23035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Automation of downstream analysis may offer many potential benefits to routine histopathology. One area of interest for automation is in the scoring of multiple immunohistochemical markers to predict the patient's response to targeted therapies. Automated serial slide analysis of this kind requires robust registration to identify common tissue regions across sections. We present an automated method for co-localized scoring of Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor (ER/PR) in breast cancer core biopsies using whole slide images. Regions of tumor in a series of fifty consecutive breast core biopsies were identified by annotation on H&E whole slide images. Sequentially cut immunohistochemical stained sections were scored manually, before being digitally scanned and then exported into JPEG 2000 format. A two-stage registration process was performed to identify the annotated regions of interest in the immunohistochemistry sections, which were then scored using the Allred system. Overall correlation between manual and automated scoring for ER and PR was 0.944 and 0.883, respectively, with 90% of ER and 80% of PR scores within in one point or less of agreement. This proof of principle study indicates slide registration can be used as a basis for automation of the downstream analysis for clinically relevant biomarkers in the majority of cases. The approach is likely to be improved by implantation of safeguarding analysis steps post registration. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Trahearn
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Yee Wah Tsang
- Department of Pathology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Centre of Excellence for Digital Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Ian A Cree
- Centre of Excellence for Digital Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - David Snead
- Department of Pathology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Centre of Excellence for Digital Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - David Epstein
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nasir Rajpoot
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Centre of Excellence for Digital Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
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25
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Wang X, Simpson ER, Brown KA. p53: Protection against Tumor Growth beyond Effects on Cell Cycle and Apoptosis. Cancer Res 2015; 75:5001-7. [PMID: 26573797 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-0563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 has established functions in cancer. Specifically, it has been shown to cause cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to DNA damage. It is also one of the most commonly mutated or silenced genes in cancer and for this reason has been extensively studied. Recently, the role of p53 has been shown to go beyond its effects on cell cycle and apoptosis, with effects on metabolism emerging as a key contributor to cancer growth in situations where p53 is lost. Beyond this, the role of p53 in the tumor microenvironment is poorly understood. The publication by Wang and colleagues demonstrates for the first time that p53 is a key negative regulator of aromatase and, hence, estrogen production in the breast tumor microenvironment. It goes further by demonstrating that an important regulator of aromatase, the obesity-associated and tumor-derived factor prostaglandin E2, inhibits p53 in the breast adipose stroma. This review presents these findings in the context of established and emerging roles of p53 and discusses possible implications for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyi Wang
- Metabolism and Cancer Laboratory, Centres for Cancer Research and Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Evan R Simpson
- Metabolism and Cancer Laboratory, Centres for Cancer Research and Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kristy A Brown
- Metabolism and Cancer Laboratory, Centres for Cancer Research and Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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26
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McNamara KM, Sasano H. Beyond the C18 frontier: Androgen and glucocorticoid metabolism in breast cancer tissues: The role of non-typical steroid hormones in breast cancer development and progression. Steroids 2015; 103:115-22. [PMID: 26057662 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer's hormonal dependence is well known and has been so for a long time. However in the last two decades great advances have been made in understanding the local metabolism of steroids within tissue. In the form of aromatase inhibition this is already one of the mainstays of breast cancer therapy. This review aims to summarise briefly what is known in terms of the metabolism of C18 steroids but perhaps more importantly to touch on the new developments regarding the importance of the metabolism of androgens and glucocorticoids in breast tissue. It is our hope that this review should provide the reader with a "birds eye view" of the current state of knowledge regarding localised steroid metabolism in the breast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely May McNamara
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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27
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Tanida T, Matsuda KI, Yamada S, Hashimoto T, Kawata M. Estrogen-related Receptor β Reduces the Subnuclear Mobility of Estrogen Receptor α and Suppresses Estrogen-dependent Cellular Function. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:12332-45. [PMID: 25805499 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.619098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen-related receptor (ERR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that has strong homology with estrogen receptor (ER) α. ERR has three subtypes (α, β, and γ) expressed in estrogen-sensitive organs, including ovary, breast, and brain. No endogenous ligands of ERRs have been identified, but these receptors share a common DNA element with ERα and control estrogen-mediated gene transcription. Recent evidence suggests a role of ERRs in estrogen-related pathophysiology, but the detailed mechanisms of ERR functions in estrogen-related tissues are unclear. Using live-cell imaging with fluorescent protein labeling, we found that only ERRβ among the ERRs exhibits a punctate intranuclear pattern overlapping with ERα following 17β-estradiol (E2)-stimulation. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching showed significant reduction of the mobility of ligand-activated ERα with co-expression of ERRβ. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer revealed that ERRβ directly interacts with ERα. The N-terminal domain of ERRβ was identified as the region that interacts with ERα. We also found a correlation between punctate cluster formation of ERα and interaction between the receptors. Expression of ERRβ significantly repressed ERα-mediated transactivity, whereas that of other ERR subtypes had no effect on the transactivity of ERα. Consistent with this finding, E2-stimulated proliferation of MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells and bcl-2 expression was significantly inhibited by expression of ERRβ. These results provide strong evidence for a suppressive effect of ERRβ on estrogen signaling through reduction of the intranuclear mobility of ERα. The findings further suggest a unique inhibitory role for ERRβ in estrogen-dependent cellular function such as cancer cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tanida
- From the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Ken Ichi Matsuda
- From the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Shunji Yamada
- From the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Takashi Hashimoto
- From the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Kawata
- From the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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28
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Aesoy R, Clyne CD, Chand AL. Insights into Orphan Nuclear Receptors as Prognostic Markers and Novel Therapeutic Targets for Breast Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:115. [PMID: 26300846 PMCID: PMC4528200 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is emerging evidence asserting the importance of orphan nuclear receptors (ONRs) in cancer initiation and progression. In breast cancer, there is a lot unknown about ONRs in terms of their expression profile and their transcriptional targets in the various stages of tumor progression. With the classification of breast tumors into distinct molecular subtypes, we assess ONR expression in the different breast cancer subtypes and with patient outcomes. Complementing this, we review evidence implicating ONR-dependent molecular pathways in breast cancer progression to identify candidate ONRs as potential prognostic markers and/or as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reidun Aesoy
- Cancer Drug Discovery, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Colin D. Clyne
- Cancer Drug Discovery, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashwini L. Chand
- Cancer Drug Discovery, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Cancer and Inflammation Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Ashwini L. Chand,
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29
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McNamara KM, Sasano H. The intracrinology of breast cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:172-8. [PMID: 24751707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The importance of intracrinology, or in situ production of steroids from circulating precursors, in breast cancer has been firmly established in estrogen actions on postmenopausal patients. Expression levels of various steroid synthesizing and/or metabolizing enzymes have been examined in human breast cancer tissues by a number of groups. The enzymes examined include those capable of converting circulating DHEA-S to sex steroids (STS and 3βHSDΔ4-5 isomerase), the group of enzymes that modulate the strength of both androgens and estrogens (17βHSD family) as well as the androgenic 5αR enzymes and the estrogenic aromatase enzyme. In addition to these DHEA-related metabolism pathways, other intracrine pathways involving progesterone and cholesterol have also been examined. Some risk factors of breast cancer development, including obesity, have also been postulated to interact with steroid metabolising pathways. In this review, we aimed to summarise the current state of knowledge regarding intracrine metabolism including expression levels of various enzymes and receptors, focusing particularly upon the importance of the production of biologically potent steroids from circulating sulfated precursors such as DHEA-S. In addition, we attempted to summarise the factors, both steroidal and non-steroidal, involved in the regulation of these enzymes and propose future directions for research in this particular field. The concept of intracrinology was first proposed over 20 years ago but there still remain many unanswered questions which could open new horizons for the understanding of intracrine metabolism in the breast. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Essential role of DHEA'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely May McNamara
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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30
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To SQ, Knower KC, Cheung V, Simpson ER, Clyne CD. Transcriptional control of local estrogen formation by aromatase in the breast. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:179-86. [PMID: 24846828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase is the critical enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens. It is frequently highly expressed in the tumour bearing breast of women diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive tumours, resulting in dramatically increased local estrogen production to drive tumour progression. Expression of aromatase is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level of its encoding gene CYP19A1, located on chromosome 15 of the human genome. A characteristic feature of CYP19A1 expression is its use of alternative promoters to regulate transcription in a tissue-specific manner. In breast cancer, the increase in aromatase expression is mediated via higher expression of the distal adipose-specific promoter I.4 and a switch to the preferential use of proximal promoters I.3 and II. This results in a net increase of CYP19A1 transcripts in tumour-bearing breast up to 3-4-fold higher than normal breast. Current aromatase inhibitors - whilst efficacious - exhibit significant side effects that reduce patient compliance. Understanding the transcription factors and signalling pathways that control aromatase expression will lead to opportunities to develop breast-specific inhibitors with an improved side-effects profile. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Essential role of DHEA'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Q To
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Kevin C Knower
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
| | - Vanessa Cheung
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Evan R Simpson
- Metabolism and Cancer Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Colin D Clyne
- Cancer Drug Discovery Laboratory, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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31
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LRH-1 controls proliferation in breast tumor cells by regulating CDKN1A gene expression. Oncogene 2014; 34:4509-18. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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32
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Narvaez CJ, Matthews D, LaPorta E, Simmons KM, Beaudin S, Welsh J. The impact of vitamin D in breast cancer: genomics, pathways, metabolism. Front Physiol 2014; 5:213. [PMID: 24982636 PMCID: PMC4055997 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors exert profound effects on mammary gland physiology and have complex roles in the etiology of breast cancer. In addition to receptors for classic steroid hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) interacts with its ligand 1α,25(OH)2D3 to modulate the normal mammary epithelial cell genome and subsequent phenotype. Observational studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is common in breast cancer patients and that low vitamin D status enhances the risk for disease development or progression. Genomic profiling has characterized many 1α,25(OH)2D3 responsive targets in normal mammary cells and in breast cancers, providing insight into the molecular actions of 1α,25(OH)2D3 and the VDR in regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation. New areas of emphasis include regulation of tumor metabolism and innate immune responses. However, the role of VDR in individual cell types (i.e., epithelial, adipose, fibroblast, endothelial, immune) of normal and tumor tissues remains to be clarified. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which VDR integrates signaling between diverse cell types and controls soluble signals and paracrine pathways in the tissue/tumor microenvironment remain to be defined. Model systems of carcinogenesis have provided evidence that both VDR expression and 1α,25(OH)2D3 actions change with transformation but clinical data regarding vitamin D responsiveness of established tumors is limited and inconclusive. Because breast cancer is heterogeneous, analysis of VDR actions in specific molecular subtypes of the disease may help to clarify the conflicting data. The expanded use of genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches on a diverse array of in vitro and in vivo model systems is clearly warranted to comprehensively understand the network of vitamin D regulated pathways in the context of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen J Narvaez
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Donald Matthews
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Erika LaPorta
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Katrina M Simmons
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Beaudin
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - JoEllen Welsh
- Cancer Research Center, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA ; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany Rensselaer, NY, USA
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Abstract
Humans as diurnal beings are active during the day and rest at night. This daily oscillation of behavior and physiology is driven by an endogenous circadian clock not environmental cues. In modern societies, changes in lifestyle have led to a frequent disruption of the endogenous circadian homeostasis leading to increased risk of various diseases including cancer. The clock is operated by the feedback loops of circadian genes and controls daily physiology by coupling cell proliferation and metabolism, DNA damage repair, and apoptosis in peripheral tissues with physical activity, energy homeostasis, immune and neuroendocrine functions at the organismal level. Recent studies have revealed that defects in circadian genes due to targeted gene ablation in animal models or single nucleotide polymorphism, deletion, deregulation and/or epigenetic silencing in humans are closely associated with increased risk of cancer. In addition, disruption of circadian rhythm can disrupt the molecular clock in peripheral tissues in the absence of circadian gene mutations. Circadian disruption has recently been recognized as an independent cancer risk factor. Further study of the mechanism of clock-controlled tumor suppression will have a significant impact on human health by improving the efficiencies of cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Kettner
- Department of Pediatrics/U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service/ Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX , USA
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34
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Knower KC, Chand AL, Clyne CD. Estrogen receptor status of breast stromal cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 143:609-10. [PMID: 24464576 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-2837-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Knower
- MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia,
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35
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Steroid hormone receptor expression in breast cancer stroma. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 143:605-7. [PMID: 24458844 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2815-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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